Vnitr Lek 2025, 71(5):321-325

Complete atrioventricular block as a manifestation of Lyme carditis

Ivana Čapková

Interní oddělení SZZ Krnov

Lyme disease is a common infection with multi-systemic manifestations. In some patients, it may be asymptomatic, but in symptomatic cases, the most frequent manifestation is a skin lesion known as erythema migrans. In a small percentage of cases, the infection presents as Lyme carditis. The symptoms of Lyme carditis include fatigue, syncope, palpitations, and dyspnea. These symptoms are most often caused by cardiac conduction system disorders. The main risk of Lyme carditis is rapid progression of conduction abnormalities, the development of malignant arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Suspicion of Lyme-associated carditis should prompt immediate diagnostic evaluation, patient observation and monitoring, and the initiation of antibiotic therapy without any delay. In some cases, temporary cardiac pacing may be required.

Keywords: lyme disease, lyme carditis, third-degree atrioventricular block.

Accepted: August 25, 2025; Published: September 18, 2025  Show citation